Anthropology

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Explore what it means to be human. Through distinct perspectives, anthropology is the study of human beings from past to present both near and far.

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human in all its biological and cultural diversity, and as it changes over time. Anthropologists address this complex subject from multiple perspectives:

Biological anthropologists investigate the development and evolution of human beings and their relatives by studying the fossil record, genetics, and primate ecology and behavior.

Archaeologists study the cultural life of peoples and societies of the past by examining the material remains they left behind, including buildings, stone artifacts, pottery, and organic materials.

Cultural anthropologists explore the diversity of practices and perspectives through which contemporary people live their lives and experience the world.

Taken together, these complementary approaches make up the discipline of anthropology and provide a holistic portrait of the human experience.

Studying Anthropology at Northeastern

Northeastern's Anthropology Department focuses on developing students who are well-versed in the methods, theories, and findings of the three subfields: biological anthropology, archaeology and cultural anthropology.

Through their coursework, students learn about the full arc of the human story, from the beginnings of human life until today, and from all corners of the globe to right here in Chicago. Along the way, students who major or minor in anthropology gain a valuable set of intellectual and practical skills that serve them well in a broad range of post-graduation career and educational endeavors.